R E L I G I OUS conversion
WHAT INFORMS YOUR ARCHITECTURAL PHILOSOPHY AND AESTHETIC? A unique response is required for every project based on location, the client brief, and existing natural or man-made elements in and around the site. While my general aesthetic is informed by contemporary design and functionality, and inspired by many great modernists, it’s a particular project’s unique characteristics that defines it and informs some of its intimate details. IS THERE A COMMON ELEMENT OR APPROACH THAT RUNS THROUGH ALL YOUR WORK? If I had to pick one it would be functionality and how that informs the design in terms of form and materiality. WHAT APPEALED TO YOU ABOUT THE STUDIO SITE? WHAT DID THE ALTERATIONS ENTAIL? The interior’s height and scale instantly appealed and presented a unique challenge. Normal in a church, the scale was dramatic in a workplace and presented the chance to create an environment that could be uplifting and inspiring, and one that would enhance our experience of working in the studio that could also reflect in our projects. The challenge of converting a run-down, abandoned church also appealed to adaptively re-use a building typology associated with gathering and worship in relatively short periods of time into one where the occupants now spend half their day working. This called for careful consideration in terms of comfort levels and servicing. DESCRIBE THE COMPLETED SPACE? A success! Everyone loves working here: it’s inspiring, comfortable, clients love visiting and passers-by often stop and admire the building and the interiors that are easily seen through the frameless glass entry door. We have maintained and repaired important heritage features while completely modernising and adapting the building into a highly functional creative office space.
WHAT IS THE ETHOS BEHIND YOUR WORK AND HOW IS IT REFLECTED IN THE DESIGN OF YOUR SPACE? Honesty, functionality and simplicity. It was important that the studio reflected these principles as it has to represent who we are and where we’re going. We created a distinct articulation of old and new, used a restrained palette that almost presents a blank canvas, and created a defined narrative between the original building fabric and the new works. IS THERE AN ARCHITECTURAL ERA OR STYLE THAT RESONATES WITH YOU? The early to mid 20th century. The changes in technology and design philosophy then really disrupted centuries of design thinking and has shaped good contemporary architecture. WHICH DESIGNERS AND ARTISTS DO YOU ADMIRE? As far as architects go: Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe and so on but the answer revealed itself recently when I walked into a friend’s bookshop and the first book I searched for was one on Carlo Scarpa. I like many current-day architects. WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO? ARE THERE ANY
NEW DIRECTIONS OR DESIGN CHALLENGES YOU WOULD LIKE TO PURSUE? I genuinely look forward to all our new projects and don’t necessarily favour any type in particular. We are looking at other adaptive re-use commercial spaces and are also working on some tourist, hospitality and residential projects. The design challenge for me is to continue to evolve, enjoy what we produce and offer something unique and uplifting to the end user. squillace.com.au